Look, I like sci-fi. . .heck, I LOVE sci-fi. Old Sci-fi, foreign sci-fi. . .I've even been known to sit through fan-made movies at sci-fi conventions without the crutch of massive amounts of adult beverages in my system. I love sci-fi that much.
After watching Skyline, however, I have, for the first time in my 40-odd years of watching good/bad/indifferent sci-fi, actually walked away not only confused, but feeling as if I had been violated without the usual afterglow peck-on-the-cheek. . .or even a few bucks on the nightstand for cab fare.
The concept was very promising. I won't go over the. . uh. . "plot" of this movie because you can read it here on IMDb, but the teasers led me to believe that this would be rich in opportunity.
And rich in opportunity it was. . .but apparently the pickaxes of the gold-diggers missed the mother-lode. . .at this point, I'm not even sure they were on the same mountain.
There I sat, eyes glued to the screen with what I can only hope resembled a slightly puzzled look on my face as I waited (and waited, and waited) for some explanation of what was going on in the movie. From the opening credits, of which there are many. . enough to make me question how many promises had to be made by the producers that donors to this cause would get their names on the opening sequences, to the ending credits, the moviegoer is whipped along in what can only be compared to an experience similar to viewing a foreign-language experiment in modernizing MacBeth. The characters seem to be similar to what you've seen before, but there's seldom a clue as to who is whom. Unlike others, I don't have a problem with the acting. . .I'm sure everyone involved with this venture was a bit distracted at actually being INVOLVED with this venture.
The "plot" had so many holes in it from beginning to end that I'd be surprised if the working title hadn't been along the lines of "The Swiss Cheese Project." From Jared's reason for going to LA (to meet his friend who did. . .what?) to the end where his central nervous system was used in a way that appeared to be some sort of soothing suppository for inflamed alien orifices, I just couldn't figure out why anything was happening (SPOILER. . .hey guys, the reasons the aliens aren't out over the water is because humans don't LIVE on the water in large numbers).
With Plot holes this large and no redeeming qualities other than "Love Conquers All. . .sorta," it was like going to a major league baseball game and having the pitcher roll a kickball at the batter.
So, if you are thinking about spending your hard-earned cash on this movie (or even going on a dare), wait for it to show up on broadcast TV. . .or even better, just don't do it.
If you think I may be simply a disgruntled moviegoer. . .go watch any of the other movies and stand in the hall when this movie lets out. Listen to the comments from those who have just experienced Skyline. I haven't heard so many negative comments at the theater since they stopped using the good oil to cook popcorn in.
There are two reasons for my not giving this a "0" rating. . .first, there is no number lower than 1 on the ratings guidelines and, second, the special effects were phenomenal.
The most shocking part of the evening, however, was experienced as I was walking out. Another patron mentioned that they are already considering a sequel. The resulting groans and looks of disbelief that greeted his comments were stunning.
After watching Skyline, however, I have, for the first time in my 40-odd years of watching good/bad/indifferent sci-fi, actually walked away not only confused, but feeling as if I had been violated without the usual afterglow peck-on-the-cheek. . .or even a few bucks on the nightstand for cab fare.
The concept was very promising. I won't go over the. . uh. . "plot" of this movie because you can read it here on IMDb, but the teasers led me to believe that this would be rich in opportunity.
And rich in opportunity it was. . .but apparently the pickaxes of the gold-diggers missed the mother-lode. . .at this point, I'm not even sure they were on the same mountain.
There I sat, eyes glued to the screen with what I can only hope resembled a slightly puzzled look on my face as I waited (and waited, and waited) for some explanation of what was going on in the movie. From the opening credits, of which there are many. . enough to make me question how many promises had to be made by the producers that donors to this cause would get their names on the opening sequences, to the ending credits, the moviegoer is whipped along in what can only be compared to an experience similar to viewing a foreign-language experiment in modernizing MacBeth. The characters seem to be similar to what you've seen before, but there's seldom a clue as to who is whom. Unlike others, I don't have a problem with the acting. . .I'm sure everyone involved with this venture was a bit distracted at actually being INVOLVED with this venture.
The "plot" had so many holes in it from beginning to end that I'd be surprised if the working title hadn't been along the lines of "The Swiss Cheese Project." From Jared's reason for going to LA (to meet his friend who did. . .what?) to the end where his central nervous system was used in a way that appeared to be some sort of soothing suppository for inflamed alien orifices, I just couldn't figure out why anything was happening (SPOILER. . .hey guys, the reasons the aliens aren't out over the water is because humans don't LIVE on the water in large numbers).
With Plot holes this large and no redeeming qualities other than "Love Conquers All. . .sorta," it was like going to a major league baseball game and having the pitcher roll a kickball at the batter.
So, if you are thinking about spending your hard-earned cash on this movie (or even going on a dare), wait for it to show up on broadcast TV. . .or even better, just don't do it.
If you think I may be simply a disgruntled moviegoer. . .go watch any of the other movies and stand in the hall when this movie lets out. Listen to the comments from those who have just experienced Skyline. I haven't heard so many negative comments at the theater since they stopped using the good oil to cook popcorn in.
There are two reasons for my not giving this a "0" rating. . .first, there is no number lower than 1 on the ratings guidelines and, second, the special effects were phenomenal.
The most shocking part of the evening, however, was experienced as I was walking out. Another patron mentioned that they are already considering a sequel. The resulting groans and looks of disbelief that greeted his comments were stunning.